Defender OCTA makes Australian debut
The most dynamically accomplished Defender ever created, the OCTA, has made its Australian debut. JLR Australia chose this year’s SXSW (South by Southwest) Sydney – the local leg of the futurist conference and festival – for the unveiling.
Defender, who have been part of the Sydney event previously, brought back ‘Defender House,’ where they offered “a 4D interactive adventure” for inspired thinkers, creators and innovators, along with Defender brand experiences, panels and workshops.
To celebrate the Australian launch of the OCTA, an exclusive VIP night was also held at Defender House, where respected chef Sean Connolly presented a sustainable menu inspired by the soon-to-be-released 4x4.
The expansive Defender range was showcased at Tumbalong Park, in the heart of the SXSW precinct, from which JLR Australia conducted curated test drives around Sydney.
Based on the Defender 110, the new Defender OCTA (its name was inspired by the octahedral shape of a diamond) is the fastest and most powerful model in the Defender family. It’s also been described by JLR Australia as the toughest, most capable and most luxurious Defender yet, “taking capability to an unparalleled level”.
Powered by a twin-turbo 4.4‑litre V8 with a 48V mild‑hybrid system, eight-speed automatic transmission and dual-range four-wheel drive, the OCTA produces 467kW and up to 750Nm, with 0‑100km/h acceleration in 4.0 seconds.
The OCTA’s off-road capabilities come courtesy of familiar Terrain Response modes, like Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass/Gravel/Snow and Rock Crawl, but adds its own OCTA mode with an ‘Off-Road Launch’ function and specific ‘Off-Road ABS’ braking calibration.
ClearSight Ground View makes the bonnet “invisible” to provide improved visibility in tough terrain, while heavily revised chassis components combine with innovative technologies to heighten off-road performance.
These technologies include 6D Dynamics; an intelligent system of linked semi-active hydraulic dampers first seen on the Range Rover Sport SV. In the case of the OCTA, 6D Dynamics take suspension capabilities to what JLR say are new heights.
For on-road performance, the Defender OCTA also features a specific Dynamic mode and a quicker steering ratio.
Riding higher (by 28mm) and wider (by 68mm) than the standard Defender 110, the OCTA can also wade deeper than any production Defender - up to one metre. The higher stance comes from 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tyres (the largest ever fitted to a production Defender), with the wheel arch flares extended to suit. Bumpers have been redesigned to improve approach and departure angles, with tough underbody protection also on the spec list. Front brake discs are upsized to 400mm and fitted with Bembo calipers.
Identifying features outside include carbon fibre accents, special grille and side vent treatments, plus front and rear recovery hooks in Phosphor Bronze. Paint options include two colours that are exclusive to the OCTA - Faroe Green and Petra Copper.
Inside, there are more carbon fibre accents, along with performance seats that have “immersive” audio technology integrated. Leather trim is standard, with cloth optional.
The Defender OCTA is due for Australian release in Q1, 2025, with an expected price tag of $291,542 for the standard version and $317,592 for the limited-release Edition One version (plus on-road costs for both).
